bolster morale

USAGE SUMMARY

"bolster morale" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an action that is aimed at raising spirits and motivation in a group of people. For example, "The CEO's pep talk was designed to bolster morale among the employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

The sale is expected to bolster morale inside the company.

The New York Times

But some said that such controversy may be just what sociology needs to bolster morale.

The New York Times - Style

It's hard to bolster morale, stiffen backbones or adjust a battle plan from a training base.

The Washington Post

Managers have been at pains to explain what was going on, partly to bolster morale but also because employees are the most important brand ambassadors.

The Economist

Still, Arthur W. Bowman, editor of Bowman's Accounting Report, said that Mr. Berardino would have to work to bolster morale after the arbitration decision.

The New York Times

How does it bolster morale, prevent a disastrous exodus of social workers, and manage to recruit to vacant posts when "inadequate" is emblazoned all over the local press?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

You'll be turning the other cheek and bolstering morale at the same time.

The New York Times

It has bolstered morale in the field and at home, lending a bit of electronic normalcy to the chaos.

The New York Times - Tech

Crosby Kelly, Litton's former manager of investor relations, said at the time that this annual report was "something like a flag," useful in bolstering morale.

The New York Times

Tactics include avoiding the hiring of rabble-rousers (something Wal-Mart is accused of) and dividing people into teams, which bolsters morale and makes complainers unpopular.These tactics appear be to working.

The Economist

Mr. Dudley, an American who has been with BP since it bought Amoco in 1998, faces myriad challenges: dealing with the costs and legal consequences of the spill in the Gulf of Mexico, repairing damaged relations with federal and state authorities, bolstering morale among BP employees and, perhaps critically, winning back investors.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bolster morale", consider the specific context and choose actions that genuinely address the underlying causes of low morale, such as recognizing achievements or providing clear goals.

Common error

Avoid using "bolster morale" as a superficial solution. Simply offering perks without addressing fundamental issues like lack of recognition or poor communication will likely prove ineffective and may even be perceived as insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bolster morale" primarily functions as a verb phrase where "bolster" acts as a transitive verb taking "morale" as its object. It describes the action of strengthening or improving the state of mind of a person or group, which is supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bolster morale" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that means to improve or strengthen the spirit and motivation of a group. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s applicable in various contexts, primarily in News & Media, Academia, and Encyclopedias. The phrase is generally neutral in register and its effectiveness hinges on addressing the root causes of low morale, rather than applying superficial solutions. Effective strategies might involve recognizing achievements, fostering open communication, and providing growth opportunities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lift spirits

Focuses more on emotional upliftment rather than overall motivation.

boost confidence

Emphasizes enhancing belief in one's abilities specifically.

improve team spirit

Specifically targets the camaraderie and enthusiasm within a team.

raise enthusiasm

Highlights increasing excitement and eagerness.

encourage optimism

Centers on fostering a positive outlook and hopefulness.

motivate the troops

A more direct and forceful approach to inspiring action, often in a military or team context.

uplift the team

A more general term for making the team feel better.

rally the troops

Focuses on gathering support and enthusiasm for a specific cause or task.

invigorate the workforce

Suggests a revitalization of energy and enthusiasm in the workplace.

strengthen resolve

Emphasizes reinforcing determination and commitment.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "bolster morale" in a sentence?

Use "bolster morale" to describe actions taken to improve the overall spirit and motivation of a group. For example, "The company implemented new policies to "bolster morale" after the recent layoffs".

What are some alternatives to saying "bolster morale"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "lift spirits", "boost confidence", or "improve team spirit".

Is it more effective to "bolster morale" or "maintain morale"?

"Bolstering morale" implies actively improving a situation where morale is low or declining. "Maintaining morale" suggests keeping morale at a satisfactory level. The choice depends on the current state and desired outcome.

What factors can help to "bolster morale" in a workplace?

Factors include recognizing employee achievements, providing opportunities for growth, fostering open communication, and creating a positive and supportive work environment. Understanding the specific concerns of employees is also key.